Abstract

This chapter deals with the description of the various applied Mobile System Architectures, showing the evolution path towards the IP Convergence issue, with the introduction of the IP Multimedia Subsystem. It contains the most important networks entities of the different Mobile Networks Systems and their integration to the IMS. Being the core of the Fixed-Mobile Converge, IMS’ operation, functionality and interoperability with the other Telecom platforms are analyzed. Furthermore, aiming in a cost effective high QoS solution, typical performance evaluation strategies of the network manufacturers are described. Its scope is to give an overview of the existing architectures, their network components, their characteristics and their differences, while also show how nearly all traditional Telecom networks can be converged, with the use of the IMS, to an all-IP network, where various applications can be accessed by heterogeneous network platforms.

Mobile Telecom System Architectures—The IP Convergence Issue

Initial Generation Concept of the Cellular Telecom Systems

Initially radio communication was based on simple single cell analogue systems. After the early 80ties introduction to mass market, digital systems were soon adopted. It is not only the architectural technology but also the transmitted information and data rate that characterize the different generations. To be more precisely, the widely applied and used generations till the present time can be summarized in the following:

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1st Generation (1G): Transmission of analogue Information

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2nd Generation (2G): Analogue systems give their place to digital ones and Transmission of digital Information is adopted.

° Implementation based on the GSM Standard aiming mainly on voice services.

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2nd+ Generation (2G+): Implementation based on combined Voice and Packet Technology. Introduction of the GPRS.